Compare Zyrtec vs. Allegra-D

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats allergy symptoms.

Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Treats allergy symptoms and congestion.

Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination allergy medicine that's useful if you have congestion and runny nose.

Upsides
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl.
  • Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available over the counter without a prescription. It comes as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
  • It can provide relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
  • Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (cetirizine).
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) contains two medicines that work in different ways to help relieve multiple symptoms including nasal congestion and allergies.
  • Available without a prescription in the drugstore.
Downsides
  • Although it works fast, Zyrtec (cetirizine)'s effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
  • Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are more effective for them than Zyrtec (cetirizine).
  • You must show a photo ID to purchase this medicine from behind the pharmacy counter. There's a maximum limit on how much Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) you can buy at a time.
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) can have more side effects (such as increased blood pressure and difficulty sleeping) than Allegra since it has pseudoephedrine in it.
  • If you have severe high blood pressure or heart disease you can't take this medicine. If you have kidney damage, you may not be able to take Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$2.88
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Lowest price
$36.63
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Reviews
1232 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Zyrtec (cetirizine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
10possible side effects
  • Headache
    13%
  • Trouble sleeping
    13%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Dry Mouth
    3%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Throat irritation
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Agitation
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Palpitations
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased side effects in the elderly
    • Age 65 or older
  • Impaired alertness
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • History of liver or kidney conditions
    • History of liver or kidney disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Age 65 or older
  • Seizure
    • History of seizure
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Learn more about Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine)